Traveling Around Cambodia On A Budget: The Cheapest Ways To Get Around

1. Why is Cambodia an ideal destination for budget travel?

Cambodia is one of the most attractive destinations in Southeast Asia for budget travelers. With a low cost of living, affordable services, and countless cultural and historical attractions, Cambodia offers a complete travel experience without requiring a large budget.

From staying in budget guesthouses and eating at local markets to getting around using public transportation, you can easily explore the Land of Temples for just a few dollars a day.

2. Main Routes and Ticket Prices

Buses and minivans are the primary modes of transportation between major cities and tourist destinations in Cambodia. Some of the most popular routes include:

• Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: around $8–$12
• Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville: around $9–$13
• Siem Reap to Battambang: around $5–$7
• Phnom Penh to Kampot or Kep: around $6–$10

Tuk-tuks are one of the most popular and budget-friendly modes of transportation in Cambodia, especially ideal for short trips within cities or to nearby attractions. If you're in Siem Reap and planning to explore the Angkor Wat complex, tuk-tuks offer a flexible, affordable, and convenient option, easily navigating smaller roads and narrow paths. In cities like Phnom Penh or Kampot, they are also perfect for getting around town to visit places like night markets, restaurants, museums, or bus terminals.

However, if you're traveling long distances such as from the airport to the city center or moving around at night, taxis might be a more suitable choice. They are generally safer and more convenient when traveling in larger groups or carrying heavy luggage. Still, for most daytime travel, tuk-tuks remain cheaper than taxis if you know how to negotiate fares or use ride-hailing apps.

In many parts of Cambodia, especially in tourist areas, negotiating tuk-tuk fares directly with the driver is still common. To avoid being overcharged, it’s helpful to ask hotel staff for estimated prices or check travel blogs in advance. Polite bargaining is usually expected, and you can often reduce the initial asking price by 20–30%. It's essential to agree on a final price before getting in the tuk-tuk to prevent any disputes at the end of the ride.

To simplify the process, consider downloading popular ride-hailing apps used in Cambodia. PassApp is the most widely used local app for booking tuk-tuks, offering clear pricing based on distance. Grab, another well-known app across Southeast Asia, also operates in Phnom Penh and provides various vehicle options, including motorbikes, tuk-tuks, and cars. Using these apps helps you avoid price haggling, ensures fair rates, and makes navigating an unfamiliar country much more convenient.

3. Experience Local Cuisine to Save Money

One of the simplest and most effective ways to save money while traveling in Cambodia is to eat like the locals do. Instead of choosing upscale restaurants or places that mainly cater to tourists - where prices can be double or even triple try visiting street food stalls, traditional markets, or small eateries tucked away in alleys. These spots serve delicious Khmer dishes at prices as low as a cup of coffee.

Cambodian cuisine is not only flavorful and nutritious but also quite similar to Vietnamese food, making it easy to enjoy. Here are a few popular local dishes to try:

• Amok: Steamed fish curry in banana leaves (2–3 USD/serving)
• Lok Lak: Khmer-style stir-fried beef with rice and fried egg (2–4 USD/plate)
• Num Pang: Cambodian-style baguette sandwich (1–1.5 USD/each)
• Bai Sach Chrouk: Grilled pork with rice, often served for breakfast (1–2 USD/plate)
• Cha Houy Teuk: Jelly dessert with coconut milk (0.5–1 USD/cup)
• Nom Krok: Traditional coconut rice cakes (1 USD/serving)
• Ang Dtray: Meuk – Grilled squid on skewers (1–2 USD/skewer)
• Grilled eggs: Seasoned grilled duck eggs (0.5–1 USD/egg)
• Fried bananas: Crispy and sweet street snack (0.5–1 USD/bag)
• Fresh fruit smoothies: (1–1.5 USD/glass)

4. Choose Budget-Friendly Accommodation

When traveling in Cambodia on a budget, choosing the right place to stay can help you save significantly while still ensuring comfort and convenience. Instead of staying at high-end hotels, consider more affordable options like guesthouses, hostels, or homestays - popular choices among backpackers, young travelers, and those who enjoy experiencing local culture.

In major tourist cities such as Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Battambang, or Kampot, hostel dormitory beds typically range from $5–$8 per night, while private rooms in small guesthouses or homestays cost around $10–$15 per night.

Many of these budget accommodations offer free breakfast, usually including simple items like bread, eggs, coffee, or fresh fruit. Some homestays even provide travel advice, bike or motorbike rentals, and local tour bookings at discounted prices, making it easier for first-time visitors to explore Cambodia.To find the best places to stay, it’s recommended to book in advance through platforms like Booking.com, Hostelworld, Agoda, or Airbnb. Reading reviews from previous guests will help you avoid low-quality stays and choose a reliable, affordable option for your trip.

Traveling around Cambodia on a budget is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. With affordable transport, local cuisine, and low-cost accommodation, you can enjoy rich cultural experiences without overspending. Just plan wisely and embrace the local way of life.